I knew that someday I was going to die, and I knew that before I died, two things would happen to me. That number one; I would regret my entire life, and number two; that I would want to live my life over again.

Barkleys back in training so should be ready for his medical in a few weeks!

Ross Barkley has stepped up his recovery from a serious hamstring injury by returning to Everton first-team training.

The Academy graduate was given a warm round of applause by coaching staff and his teammates as he made his way onto the pitch at USM Finch Farm.

Midfielder Barkley tore the muscle during a training session back in August, one month after undergoing an operation on a groin problem which had ruled him out of the start of his team’s season.

The 24-year-old's most recent outing for the Blues came on the final day of last term at Arsenal – one week after he scored the only goal of the game as Everton rounded off their 2016/17 Goodison Park campaign with a 1-0 victory over Watford.

Earlier this month Barkley posted an image of the scar caused by surgery to his hamstring on social media, with the accompanying message ‘not long now’.

Boss Sam Allardyce has promised not to rush the Wavertree-born Academy graduate's return, with Barkley likely to follow the path back into action taken by fellow long-term absentee Yannick Bolasie, who has launched his playing comeback with the Blues’ Under-23 team.Barkley made his Everton debut as a 17-year-old on the opening day of the 2011/12 season and has scored 21 Premier League goals in 150 appearances for the Club.

He made 36 top-flight appearances last term and was directly involved in 14 goals as the Blues finished seventh in the Premier League table.

Surely we are as good a proposal to him as Utd and Spurs. Based on the fact we can offer more opportunities in the short term? Don't think it would be that hard a sell to tempt a kid here rather than a top 6 side

Surely we are as good a proposal to him as Utd and Spurs. Based on the fact we can offer more opportunities in the short term? Don't think it would be that hard a sell to tempt a kid here rather than a top 6 side

No link for us, no. Just posting it cos he often gets suggested on here, but might have missed the boat.

Logged

Jeff: That's not the way to win.Kathie: Is there a way to win?Jeff: There's a way to lose more slowly.